Volume 5 Chapter 4 Naoshi ／ Going To Tokyo III： The Three In Temporary Housing
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”If I’d known Nao-nii was going to get arrested by the police, I could’ve handled it differently…”
”Suzuri-chan, you shouldn’t say things that could be misunderstood by others.”
For what felt like the hundredth time, Naoshi let out a bitter laugh at Suzuri’s remark. After cleaning up, they reunited with Suzuri and checked the app, confirming that Naoshi had won the challenge fairly. This conversation stemmed from explaining the outcome and circumstances.
”I was just a citizen offering cooperation, that’s all.”
”Normal citizens don’t kick down doors and round up gangsters for arrest, though…”
”It’s frustrating. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slipped away.”
”Even Ako-chan feels that way. You two are hopeless.”
Suzuri and her group moved to densely populated areas to compensate for their lack of familiarity with the terrain and slow movement, but they had no experience fighting or hunting ayakashi. As a result, local practitioners often beat them to the target, leaving them repeatedly empty-handed as the app’s notifications disappeared.
”Well, at least it was a good learning experience for next time.”
”So, does that mean the conditions for when I beat Nao-nii are still valid…?”
”Don’t push your luck. Those terms are negotiable.”
Despite the slim chance, Suzuri clenched her fists in determination.
”Then, if we lose this time, how about we agree to do one thing Gikei-san asks, no matter what?”
”That’s it!”
”What do you mean, ‘this time’ and ‘that’s it’? I don’t even have any requests, so no thanks.”
”Why not!?”
As Suzuri raised her voice, Ako chimed in.
”We’ll definitely listen to *anything* you ask!”
Naoshi sighed as the two leaned in from both sides.
”You two are just going to keep haggling until you get something convenient for yourselves, aren’t you?”
He glanced at them, and they both looked away—a clear sign of their intentions. Naoshi smirked, knowing the outcome was already in his favor, so there was no tension in the challenge.
* * *
Afternoon in February
The days were gradually lengthening, but by 4:00 PM, dusk began to settle. As they approached the mansion where they were staying in Kanto, a limousine was parked at the gate. A middle-aged woman in a suit was earnestly speaking to the mansion’s owner, who seemed to be seeing someone off. With a wry smile, the owner nodded, and she shook his hands warmly before entering the car.
The three stepped aside to let the slowly moving limousine pass.
”Nao-nii, that’s no good,” Ako teased.
”Step-brother, please restrain yourself,” Suzuri added, her tone half-joking, half-serious.
”What are you two worried about?” Naoshi chuckled.
The girls grabbed Naoshi’s arms, their voices laced with playful concern. They wanted to protest, but then—
”Oh, welcome back, everyone,” Touma Yukinojo greeted, noticing them and bowing with a smile.
”It’s an honor to be greeted by Yuki-kun. You two, bow properly,” Naoshi said, his tone exaggerated.
”We’re home,” Suzuri muttered, elbowing Naoshi in the side.
”How was your sightseeing?” Yukinojo asked warmly.
”Not exactly calm…” Ako sighed.
”It turned into an ayakashi hunt thanks to step-brother,” Suzuri grumbled.
Ah, Yukinojo’s smile turned wry.
”Well, it was a good experience,” he replied, glancing at the unfazed Naoshi.
”You must be tired from working in an unfamiliar place. The bath is ready if you’d like to use it before dinner,” Yukinojo offered.
”Thank you, we’ll take you up on that,” Ako said gratefully.
”What about you, step-brother?” Suzuri asked.
”I’ll chat with Yuki-kun for a bit,” Naoshi replied.
”Understood,” Yukinojo nodded.
”Don’t keep him too long, okay?” Ako warned playfully.
”Yes, yes,” Naoshi waved them off with a grin.
Waving them off with oddly clingy voices, Naoshi took a deep breath.
”You two get along well, don’t you?” Yukinojo remarked.
”They’re just spoiled by me—and who was that woman earlier?” Naoshi asked casually.
”She’s a member of the opposition party, leading the younger members,” Yukinojo explained.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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